There’s nothing worse than opening your utility bill and seeing a sky-high heating cost caused by common furnace. This especially when you’re not cranking up the heat more than usual. If your energy bill seems to be climbing for no good reason, your furnace might be the culprit. A struggling or inefficient heating system has to work harder to keep your home warm, using up more energy (and more of your hard-earned money). Here are some of the most common furnace problems that could be making your heating bill go through the roof—and what you can do about them.
Clogged or Dirty Air Filters
If you can’t remember the last time you changed your furnace’s air filter, that could be a big part of the problem. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your furnace work harder to push warm air throughout your home. This not only increases your energy usage but also puts unnecessary strain on your system, leading to costly repairs down the line. Ideally, you should be replacing your filter every one to three months, depending on how often you use your heating system and if you have pets or allergies.
Thermostat Issues
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your furnace but with the thermostat. If your thermostat isn’t calibrated correctly, it might be telling your furnace to work harder than necessary. A faulty thermostat can cause temperature fluctuations, short cycling, or continuous operation, all of which lead to higher heating costs. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can help regulate temperature settings more efficiently and cut down on wasted energy.
Leaky Ductwork
Your heating system may be working fine, but if your ducts are leaking, all that warm air could be escaping before it ever reaches your living spaces. Leaky ductwork forces your furnace to work overtime to compensate for lost heat, leading to higher energy bills. A professional HVAC technician can inspect your duct system, seal leaks, and improve airflow to make sure your home is getting the most out of its heating system.
Aging or Inefficient Common Furnace
If your furnace is over 15 years old, it may simply not be as efficient as newer models. Older systems tend to lose efficiency over time, requiring more energy to produce the same amount of heat. Investing in a high-efficiency furnace can significantly lower your heating costs in the long run, especially if your current system has been struggling to keep up.
Get Your Common Furnace Running Efficiently Again
A high heating bill doesn’t have to be your new normal. Regular common furnace maintenance and timely repairs can keep your furnace running at peak efficiency, saving you money and keeping your home comfortable. At Sines and Sons, we offer heating repair services to diagnose and fix common furnace issues before they become major problems. Need a system upgrade? Check out our sales options for energy-efficient heating solutions. We also provide air conditioning services to keep you comfortable year-round. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and get your heating system running efficiently again!